The Killer Queen

“Speaking ill of others without knowing the truth, this classmate’s intellect and character leave much to be

desired‘

Noella’s voice, sweet and melodious, echoed through the classroom

Noella could spot a wolf in sheep’s clothing from a mile away, and someone like Oriana wasn’t worth a second thought to her.

Noella was only here to fulfil her grandmother’s wish for her to get a proper college education, but she had her own plans too.

Oriana came from an academic family, each member more bookish than the last. Her face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment when Noella’s words hit their mark.

“But the person online said she was your sister. It can’t all be made up, can it?”

Noella glanced at Oriana with a look of sheer disdain.

Did they really believe whatever the internet spewed? Yvonne or Briony, both slightly older than Noella, referred to her as their “older sister” merely to appear delicate and in need of care. In reality, she had no sisters at all

“I could claim to be your long–lost father would you buy that?”

Oriana was speechless.

Laughter broke out among the students, and Oriana’s cheeks stung with em

ment.

“Why don’t you clarify things? If it’s a misunderstanding, you should set the re

“Oriana, the stuff you’ve got in your head and guts, how exactly would you clarify that? In other words, if I say I’m your real dad, how would you clear that up?”

Oriana was stunned!

How could you clarify such nonsense? It didn’t need clarification! Everyone knew what the head and guts were full of, and who would seriously think Noella could be Oriana’s father?

To clarify such a thing would be an exercise in futility.

The room erupted in laughter again.

“Noella should join the debate team. With her, our college would take home the gold this year!”

Oriana’s face turned a spectrum of reds and purples, and with the teacher’s entrance, she had no choice but to simmer down and take her seat.

The first class was Intro to Jewelry Design, taught by a lady dressed in a tailored dress and a crisp white blazer, who brought a treasure trove of jewelry for the students to examine.

“I’m Darcy, and I’ll be your instructor and advisor for this course,” Darcy began, her gaze sweeping over the amphitheater.

Noella couldn’t shake the feeling that Darcy lingered a little longer on her.

Was it because of the online rumors, or was it because of the zither performance from yesterday?

10.17

After class, Darcy announced the homework

“Please submit your design drafts to my email after class,” she said. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Jewelry design demanded an assessment of the students‘ artistic skills and understanding of the craft, and many students were prepared in advance.

Darcy’s eyes fell on the girl at the back of the room. “Noella, could you come to my office, please?”

“Of course.”

Noella’s summons to Darcy’s office sparked giggles from Oriana and a few other girls.

They were sure the teacher was going to give Noella a hard time!

Oriana, accompanied by a few cohorts, followed stealthily, eager to eavesdrop.

After all, the rumors online had tarnished the college’s reputation, and a public scolding would surely embarrass Noella

In the office, Darcy sipped water to moisten her throat before addressing Noella, who stood tall and poised.

Noella’s fair complexion and refined features were complemented by her gaze, which carried a palpable

air of cool indifference.

Darcy smiled, “Don’t be nervous. I asked you here for two reasons. First, about the courses you’ve applied to be excused from–I’d like to know why”

“No particular reason, just that some classes feel like a waste of time.”

Noella had her plate full, managing the Schnabel family’s business ventu internal affairs, and fulfilling duties at the border. She simply couldn’t spar

curriculum.

ending to Polaris Star’s

r the school’s

Darcy was taken aback, expecting a more elaborate excuse than just ‘a waste of time‘.

“What about physical education? That’s still important.”

Noella handed over documents she’d prepared in advance. “I’m a second–level skier and table tennis athlete in Harmonia Country, PE. classes won’t teach me anything new.”

Behind the certificates were numerous jewelry design drafts, casually sketched by Noella in her spare

time.

Darcy’s eyes widened in amazement.

The sketches outlined the use of gemstones and detailed every cut and process. If brought to life, these designs would dazzle and shine!

“Noella, did you draw all these?”

“Just something I do when I’m bored. Since you’ve called me in, I might as well mention that I could miss some of my major classes too.”

From her sketches, it was evident that the curriculum offered little that Noella didn’t already know of

couldn’t self–learn.

Darcy hesitated, clearly impressed.

1017

Was every child from the Schnabel family a prodigy?

Noella remained calm. “I’ll make sure to attend final exams, but I can’t guarantee my presence at other

times.”

At Imperial University, course participation only counted for thirty percent of the grade, so even if she missed all her classes, she wouldn’t fail.

Darcy frowned thoughtfully. “But with your talent, Noella, scholarships would be yours for the taking Don’t you want to compete for one?”

“It’s not necessary. Better to leave it for someone who really needs it.”

Scholarships held no allure for Noella; there were plenty of diligent students who could use that money

Sensing Darcy’s dilemma, Noella asked, “Is it a problem?”

If it was a no–go officially, she’d just have to skip classes when necessary.

Darcy waved the thought away. “Just have your brother visit the school to sign a request, and that’s it. He even told me to look out for you–I had no idea Beckett’s sister was such a jewelry design prodigy. These drafts are incredible!”

“Wait, you know Beckett?”

“Yeah, we go way back, to our PhD days. And the second thing, I owe you one for giving my sister a shot. She was over the moon when she heard you’d be attending our college. Told me to make sure I show you the ropes.”

But as it stood, Noella was way out of her league to teach anything!

“Your sister is…”

“An employee at your gallery, Dalia. She couldn’t stop singing your praises to me.”

Noella glanced at the photo on Darcy’s phone, the one of them together, and remembered the intern who used to be under Travis’s thumb. Last month, she’d been promoted to a full–time position at the gallery.

“But what I’m really curious about is what you’re planning to do with all that time since you’re not taking many classes?”

To dodge a few courses, Noella needed a good excuse.

“Running the family business. I’ve got a dozen companies under my name that need managing